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The Golden State Warriors were met by a feisty Brooklyn Nets squad on Tuesday night, but as the game went on, the defending champions' savvy proved to be too much for the lowly Eastern Conference team, hence a 114-101 outcome in favor of the Warriors.
The night was marred, though, by the sight of rookie big man Jordan Bell slamming his entire weight and momentum onto his ankle, which rolled to a seemingly 90-degree angle as he went down on an opponent's foot after attempting a block.
Bell was visibly grimacing on the floor in sharp pain and he was eventually forced to leave the game, finishing with five points and two rebounds in 10 minutes of play.
Fortunately for the Warriors, the injury wasn't as bad as it looked, according to NBC Sports' Monte Poole.
What looked to be a devastating ankle injury sustained Tuesday night in a 114-101 victory over the Nets was deemed “mild” and will cost Bell only a few games.
Based on his immediate and demonstrative reaction, there was fear of the worst. Bell underwent X-rays, after which he was diagnosed the “mild” sprain. He won’t even be fitted for a protective boot.
Many were left in fear as this wasn't the first time that Bell tweaked the same ankle. For now, head coach Steve Kerr will have to live with his remaining options at the center spot, which isn't too much of a brain-picker as the Warriors bench tactician has been constantly rotating his center rotation based on matchups.
JaVale McGee and Zaza Pachulia will continue to provide the paint intimidation, while Draymond Green could possibly see some action at the five position as the small-ball center — a role which Bell also plays.
